Journey to the center of the earth

Journey to the center of the earth is a film about a man who in discovering the notes of his lost brother makes it to the center of the earth!

First converted to film in 1959, Journey to the center of the earth never fails to amaze the audience. Its simple script is comprehensible to children and the digital animation is excellent. It's a wonderfully entertaining movie for children and adults alike.

Life of adventure still goes on even after the loss of a loved one. Why? Because there will always be others to take care of the ones left behind. And that is what it means to be family.

Rating: 3.5/5

Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! is film about a young girl who invited 3 men to her wedding to find out who among them was his Dad.

Some of the scenes seemed to drag while Meryl Streep seemed old to play the character of the mother of Sophie. The characters seemed to lack enough motivation for playing their roles. However, the location is excellent to bring the musical out from Broadway plus, the songs of ABBA are all-time classics.

The issue of fatherhood was replaced by the question on the importance of getting married. Eventually, it is love that matters, and real love knows no time.

Rating: 3.5/5

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda is a film about an unlikely candidate destined to be the Dragon Warrior out to protect the temple from its dreaded nemesis.

There is something extra-special about the animation done on the Panda and how cuddly and lovable he turned out to be. He becomes human to be exact, a fete that is hard to do on animation. The thread of the story is excellent; the characterizations are precise. The harmony of all cinematic elements give justice to the entire film, a sure plus for the audience's appreciation.

The values this film espouse are amazing. The treasure of things to be learned inspire the audience. That is why Kung Fu Panda can be a household item. More than the skills and techniques of Kung Fu are the human values inside that really perk up the human spirit - love, acceptance, and faith among others.

Rating: 5/5

Get Smart

Get Smart is a film about an analyst who was long-kept in the main office and now has a break to do actual investigative job.

Casting is superb as Jim Carell gets the main role of a witty but error-ridden agent. There is a danger that he might follow the footsteps of the Pink Panther of even Mr. Bean, but his is far from these two. The comedic lines come out at the right moment; this is truly an entertaining film.

More that solving cases is putting a human element in the world of crimes. Even the hardened criminals are persons who are hurting deep inside. Even those that are tasked to be the good guys have a soft and tender spot inside of them. Thus, this film is recommended for all ages.

Rating: 4/5

Narnia: Prince Caspian

"Narnia: Prince Caspian" brings back the four children to the world of Narnia a hundred years later to find its people going extinct and the next king in danger of being killed.

The story seemed to drag at the first part but it is important to set the context and define the emotional tone of the story. Overall, the second episode is in complete harmony with the first one if not even better. The music was livelier, the action parts more exciting, and the emotional aspects are more engaging.

The Narnia series, carefully written by C. S. Lewis, contain rich symbolisms that transcend time and bring out the "eternal." The role of Aslan's unfolds more meaningfully as the one who keeps the peace, order, and the harmony between the humans and the "other-worldly." As every human is in danger of losing his innocence, his invited to see things through the eyes of a child and recover what was kept hidden through the ages.


Rating: 5/5

What happens in Vegas

"What happens in Vegas" is a film about a hurriedly married couple who after winning a jackpot in Las Vegas wants the loot for himself/herself.

Developing a comedic script for two superstars could really be challenging. Nevertheless, what came out was a masterpiece for Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. Though there were spectacular loopholes in script, the film would be commended for its entertainment value.

On the moral plain, it's almost impossible for two people to risk their lives to get married after exchanging debaucheries for about four hours. But in real life, there are those who actually don't know what they're getting themselves into and yet jump in sea of married life. So as to warn against trivializing the sanctity of marriage, this film is not recommended for the young viewers.

Rating: 3/5

ERRATUM

In the review "Indiana Jones", "wife and "skull" should have been written as "wife and son".

My humble apologies!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones is at it again after 10 years - still savvy and alert. Together with his wife and skull, he embarks on a journey to Peru in search of the crystal skull that unlocks all secrets and knowledge.

It's back to memory lane for the producers and audience of Indiana Jones, but this time, the digital special effects blend seamlessly with the whole picture. The music is alive as was before. Most of all, Harrison Ford is a true Indiana Jones classic no matter what time or place he is in.

The same reality lies underneath every Indiana Jones episode. For this one, it is greed and covetousness. But important than these is the triumph of love and family, the real treasures of life.

Rating: 3/5

Strange Wilderness

Strange Wilderness is a film about a TV host of the same title who has to save the show from being removed from the station's programs.

Poorly written, this film is for those who opt for mindless viewing. Thriving on senseless themes and vulgar language, it is not recommended for young viewers. It may also insult the sensibilities of the adults.

There has more to using humor to entertain than Strange Wilderness.

Rating: 2/5

Superhero Movie

Superhero Movie is a parody of a popular superhero film "Spiderman", only that in this case, it's "the Dragonfly" and his misadventures.

This film belonging to the "Scary Movie" family is consistent with their conventions of humor - from the ridiculous and hilarious to "toilet" jokes. It could be useful for those who want simply to be entertained, no more, no less. However, it could be a good break for Nickelodeon actor Drake Bell as he appears animated and natural.

Films made in the name of humor and mindless watching do not exempt them from their moral responsibilities. That is why "Superhero Movie" needs parental guidance, for the young viewers to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy humor. It would be better if after watching, the audience would come out not only entertained, but learned something good as well. Superhero Movie doesn't offer anything inspiring in the field of humor.

Rating: 3/5

The Forbidden Kingdom

The Forbidden Kingdom is a film about a young American who is unexpectedly entrusted the task to deliver the legendary stick to imprisoned Monkey King back in ancient China.

The script is excellently written for action stars Jet Lee and Jacky Chan. Michael Argano's role as the American teen-age Jason is properly defined so as not to shift attention away from these two excellent actors. The whole production is well-done, more particularly, the music and special effects. Overall, it is a seamless masterpiece.

It is a challenge to uphold native cultural values while merging it with other cultures. More than Martial arts which is a source of entertainment for some and source of discipline for others, the film contains values that the Chinese hold so dearly which could be shared to the rest of the world as well. The timeless adage of the triumph of good over evil is always an inspiration for all people to pursue the good and realize it in their lives.

Film rating: 3.5/5

Horton hears a who?

Dr. Seuss' Horton hears a who? is a story of an elephant who discovers life in a speck of a flower and he does everything to protect it.

This simply amazing film captures everything the mind could imagine - seamless script, fast but comprehensible story pace, enjoyable animation, and excellent beat. There's never a dull moment in this film and the music heightens the emotion. It's entertainingly compelling to people of all ages, but especially tailored for children.

From the world of talking animals and fantastically smaller worlds, the film orients us to a greater harmony that should exist among all persons whether "big" or "small". As Horton would always remark, "After all, a person is a person, no matter how small." Funny how it seems, but this film would also be an excellent material to introduce us to the world beyond what we can actually see; a world where faith counts a lot. Faith is to believe in a greater reality outside of us that is protecting us; to hint, it is the world of the Divine. But it is also works inwards when we believe in us and in others. If we give ourselves and others a chance to do and be good, existence in this world would truly be more meaningful.


rating: 5/5

Jumper

"Jumper" is a story of a boy, who in discovering his special talent of transporting himself to different places, has to save himself from those who threaten to kill people like him.

This Hollywood film brings to life the fantasy of obtaining anything a person wants, of course with a consequence that he regrets on doing later on. The science fiction aspects makes all things possible, even killing.

Every decision comes with a price. That's why it is important to stay with ones limitations without hurting another. Let us also be responsible with the gifts we have.

Rating: 3/5

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles is a story a mysterious Spiderwick mansion and a boy who accidentally opens a magic book, and now the ogre and other creatures are coming to get the book and kill the humans while the boy has to undo what he has done.

What catches attention is the music that adds up to the suspense as well as other emotions in the film. Other than that, almost all else are satisfactory - the children's acting, animation, and cinematography. The script is super fast-paced that there's no time to engage the audience emotionally. The dark scenes annoy more than create suspense. Overall, it's still an entertaining film.

This fantasy-adventure film fits the young target market; it's amazing how the author could give life to fairies and ogres and at the same time bring across the message of love always present in parents and children. But the film can be for adults as well, especially the parents. Separated parents should think hard on the consequences of their action, not only from their own point of view, but also from the innocent who would be most affected by the separation - the children carrying unhealed wounds in their whole lives while waiting patiently to be healed.


Rating: 3.5/5

Juno

A young girl of 16 makes a bold move to face her pregnancy.

Juno McGuff (Ellen Page) is that one tough lady, strong-willed and possessing that wit that even her boyfriend feared her.

The best aspect of this film is the script - it is seamless, witty, and entertaining. It gave a very serious issue a light touch without compromising the very heart of the problem. The script goes well with the characters, especially Ellen, who carried the film to its success in the box office. The special effects was there but it was not necessary.

Here's a way to tackle the issue of teenage pregnancy. Unfortunately, the first alternative is always abortion. One should ask the question, "Why not other alternatives?" The greatest part is the whole experience of pregnancy as it moves through time and how people are affected by the life inside the mother's womb. The baby must be someone very very special. He is as special as the dynamics of life itself.

The audience should be forewarned about the other values set by the film, such as the active sexual lifestyle and taking interest in violent films.


Rating: 3.5 / 5

Fool's Gold

Photo courtesy of: marineteam.net

This is a film about an estranged man and woman recently divorced, who are on to some hidden treasure that no one else knew about and believed.

Casting's perfect for this movie with lots of adventure, comedy, action, and romance for Matthew McCanaughey and Kate Hudson, with Matthew bordering between overacting and being a heartthrob. Kate on the other hand is a natural; you can feel in her the tension between love and disappointment. The script has some nice comedic punchlines and the underwater scenes are superb. Other than that everything seemed glued to the typical feel-good conventions.

Unfortunately, "Fool's Gold" is simply what it is. One might expect that it would be much more than hidden treasures; no other than love to be exact. Sad to say, after capitalizing on love's theme, the film wants to get the best of both worlds, reverting back to the world of fools, and the fools are not just the characters' longings, but the potential audience lured to this false sense of happiness.

Rating: 3/5

Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber on Fleet Street

This is a story of a man who goes back to London to take revenge on someone who took him away from his loved one.

Using creative technology, the film manages to getting an intriguing look in its presentation. It also capitalizes on ever popular Johnny Depp as the infamous Sweeney Todd, a mystical figure who despite of his dark character, has the ability to sing well! How can you ever despise the guy? The music is dark, appropriate for the movie. The only thing is it may really be dark physically as well as dark inside the characters' hearts.

Vengeance always leads to a dead end; the only thing is how it leads to its tragic ending, which is after all the core of classic theaters. But this film is darkness in its very core, and the music pushes everything to their limits. Morally speaking, it is quite the same thing, when all characters, including children, seemed to have lost the very core of what it means to be human. And for Sweeney Todd, the world does not seem to have any hope at all.

Watch it with utmost care for your innermost sensibilities. Definitely not recommended for young people.

Rating: 2/5

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Released by: 20th Century Fox

"Alvin and the Chipmunks" is a film about a man who adapts 3 singing squirrels.

Intended for children, this is generally a "feel-good" movie. Though extremely lacking in a sensible script, they are enjoyable to watch and made for entertainment using digital technology. At long last, the classic characters "Alvin, Theodore, and Simon" were brought to life; their presence brings a lot of good memories, and they recall to mind the vivaciousness of Alvin and the unique altered voices of the trio whose albums, including one produced for Christmas, were instant hits.

The character "Alvin" might not be too appropriate for children for he simulates "Dennis, the Menace", but generally, the film can inspire families to appreciate what it means to be one, including parenthood and the gift of children. Beyond all successes, the basic realities of love and family are still the most treasured gifts of all.

Rating: 3/5

I am legend

Starring: Will Smith
Released by: Warner Brothers

"I am Legend" is a story of a man who searches for the antidote to a virus that has inflicted almost, if not, all of the residents of futuristic New York.

Will Smith is truly the x-factor that contributed to the overhwelming success of this film with his all-natural acting. Also, creating futuristic, barbaric New York is amazing, with streets and buildings corrupted by time. The script is seamless and believable; overall you'll be entertained watching this film.

This film exposes the tremendous contributions of scientific inventions; but they are also potential sources of the death of humankind. Somewhere along the film is the struggle between man's ingenuity and God's power - when will man stop playing the role of God? Eventually, there's a significant part of the film that calls of a subtle resignation to God's will The various symbols effectively represent the role of the Divine in the life of humanity; we just have to "listen".

Rating: 4.5 / 5

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass is a story of a orphaned girl who wants to go up north to witness a parallel world whose knowledge about it is kept hidden from many by the magisterium.

One cannot deny how much is spent for this movie given its digital effects and other factors which makes it as truly an entertaining piece of art. The screenplay is precise, written in the language of the children and the music makes one jump up from his chair and be moved to action. The cast performed its role quite well. Cinematography is excellent. Visual language through film does give the imagination some degree of satisfaction.

Many controversial issues have been raised about the film before its showing, some based on religious arguments, others, whether it could be at par with the Lord of the Rings.

It is true that some aspects of the film are worth commending e.g., the intimate relationship between humans and their daemons in animal form. Hurt one and you hurt them both. Whatever they symbolize, it seems like the daemon is a person's best friend; he is something that represents his very self. Another example is how the film values friendship and loyalty.

However, the writer's concept of the truth as something that others want to be kept hidden needs to treated with a grain of salt. Could others become so powerful for so long as to hide the truth and keep the rest in the darkness of ignorance? Or could it be that truth cannot be manipulated, for truth sets everyone free? If it were the former, then the viewers, especially the children are forewarned about seeing this film considering that the writer who is intent on guarding the truth represented by the golden compass may actually be the one "manipulating" the viewers' minds to see truth the way he see it.

As such, the stereotypical of the battle between good and evil may not be stereotypical at all; its visual symbols needs to be examined under watchful eyes.

Rating: 2.5/5